Subaru has launched an updated version of its load lugging Legacy Tourer in the United Kingdom. The 2012 model has received a number of technical enhancements highlighted by the presentation of a revised diesel engine and select equipment upgrades.
The most important change for 2012 is of course the fitment of a tweaked 2.0-liter flat-four turbo diesel engine, which is Euro 5-compliant and features a more efficient turbocharger, and new exhaust-camshaft timing and lighter connecting rods. It also gets a new oxidation catalytic converters and Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).
Compared to the unit it replaces, the new 2.0-liter diesel has a slightly lower output at 147PS (145bhp) versus 150PS (148bhp) but the same amount of peak torque at 350Nm (258 lb-ft).
There’s no change in the performance numbers with the diesel engine allowing for a 0-62mph (100km/h) sprint time of 9.6 seconds and a top speed of 120mph (193km/h).
What the new engine does do for the Legacy Tourer is to improve its combined fuel economy from 46.3mpg UK to 49.6mpg UK and cut CO2 emissions by up to 7.5 per cent, to 149 g/km. The latter drops the car’s VED band down to level F, saving customers £35 per year.
There are other mechanical changes to be found on the 2012 Legacy Tourer including the updated speed manual transmission that Subaru says has been refined “to improve its fuel efficiency, shift feel and its ease of operation”.
In addition, all Legacy models benefit from an uprated suspension that includes new bushes for the front anti-roll stabiliser bar mounts to improve ride comfort, new pressed upper rear suspension arms to reduce weight (saving of 2kg or 4.4 lbs), and new pillow-ball bushes in the rear wishbones to reduce friction and provide a smoother ride.
The only styling changes made to the 2012 model concern the new exterior mirrors and the availability of a fresh colour named Ice Silver Metallic, while diesel models also get a ‘shift-up’ indicator on the instrument panel.
Equipment upgrades include the addition of a high-res rear-view safety camera on all trims, while SE and SE NavPlus models now feature a ‘Sports Package’ that comprises a sports front bumper and front grille, dark tinted headlamps, larger 18-inch alloys and special Bilstein dampers. Furthermore, the SE NavPlus models get a new DVD navigation system with a high-resolution eight-inch display as standard.
